PAGCOR president addresses accountability, security and consumer protection at Regulators’ Forum

Wilma Eisma delivered a keynote message during the 1st Asia-Pacific Regulators’ Forum.

The Philippines.- Regulators from across the Asia-Pacific region have underscored the need to adapt to digital disruption in the gaming industry at the first Regulators’ Forum held in Manila on September 11.

The event was organised by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and Inside Asian Gaming (IAG) and hosted by Newport World Resorts. It gathered regulators, operators, and stakeholders from across the region to tackle concerns on player protection and financial integrity, among others.

In her keynote address, Wilma Eisma, PAGCOR president and COO, said that while gaming jurisdictions in the region vary in size and maturity, they share common challenges such as cross-border transactions, rapid digitalisation and balancing economic benefits with social responsibility.

“In the Philippines, electronic gaming has become a significant growth driver and PAGCOR has responded with initiatives that ensure accountability, security, and consumer protection while allowing the industry to thrive responsibly,” Eisma said.

She said digitalisation, remote gaming, and emerging platforms are testing the limits of traditional oversight models. “By exchanging best practices, aligning responsible standards, and keeping pace with innovation, we can ensure that the region’s gaming industry grows not just in size but in trust, resilience, and sustainability,” she said.

Eisma said PAGCOR has introduced reforms such as stricter advertising rules, stronger financial safeguards but noted that the greater challenge lies in keeping pace with the rapid evolution of online and remote gaming.

The PAGCOR executive expressed hope that the Regulators’ Forum will become an annual platform for dialogue, with an expanded edition already being planned for 2026. She concluded: “I am confident that this Regulators’ Forum will evolve into a hub for knowledge, collaboration and shared commitment. Together, let us set the tone for gaming regulation in Asia: one that is innovative, collaborative and firmly anchored on integrity.”

Earlier this week, Alejandro H. Tengco, chairman and CEO of PAGCOR, spoke at the Inside Asian Gaming (IAG) Summit 2025 and reiterated the agency’s plans to decouple its commercial operations from its regulatory functions.

Tengco has been pressing for stricter regulation for online gaming amid calls for a ban. He argues that prohibition would encourage illegal operations and deprive the government of revenues. 

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See also: PAGCOR CEO reiterates plan to decouple commercial and regulatory functions

Wilma Eisma delivered a keynote message during the 1st Asia-Pacific Regulators’ Forum. The Philippines.- Regulators from across the Asia-Pacific region have underscored the need to adapt to digital disruption in…